A greater understanding of the role of mast cells in innate and acquired immunity has been conducted through the evaluation, characterization and treatment of patients with cutaneous and systemic mastocytosis, a clonal mast cell disorder of excessive mast cell proliferation and activation. This initiative includes interventional approaches to better manage patients with these disorders.
There is a research agenda to investigate the genetic basis and pathogenic mechanisms of physical urticarias, both to better understand and manage these reactions and to shed light on allergic reactions in general. Urticarial manifestations are generally thought to be the result of mast cell activation and degranulation, which is supported by the finding of increased levels of serum histamine during urticarial flares. Current translational studies are focused on the further characterization of induced urticarias through genetic sequencing, expression of mast cell activating proteins, and expression of serum cytokines. This area of research includes the evaluation of patients with autoinflammatory disorders and their genetic and phenotypic overlap with atopic diseases.